Former Minister Johnston Fernando was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over the alleged use of an unregistered luxury vehicle.

The arrest occurred after he appeared at the CID earlier today to provide a statement about the matter.

The vehicle in question, a black BMW with the number plate WP C 24-0430, was discovered parked suspiciously at a prominent hotel just before the Presidential Election. The CID initiated an inquiry after receiving a tip-off about the vehicle. Hotel staff reported that the car was parked by an individual named Gamini Abeyratne, who claimed it belonged to Johnston Fernando and was dropped off by his driver for later collection.

During the investigation, the CID found various documents belonging to Johnston inside the vehicle but no registration paperwork. Further checks revealed that the number plate was registered to a private firm in Nawala, and the owner indicated it had been stolen from the firm’s premises.

Inspections by Sri Lanka Customs confirmed that the chassis number associated with the BMW had not been legally imported into the country. The Government Analysts Department later determined that the vehicle was illegally assembled.

As a result, the CID has filed charges against Johnston for illegally importing vehicles, evading taxes, and using a stolen number plate. The Fort Magistrate’s Court has imposed a travel ban on him.